BBC could save millions by axing 50% of senior local radio managers instead of cutting programmes
The BBC could save millions a year if it cut 50% of its senior local radio managers instead of cutting programmes, a report today by former GMG Radio chief John Myers has said.
The report said that an extra £2m could be saved if managing editors were put in charge of two local stations each.
Myers said: "I fear there is deep reluctance to move away from having individual managing editors for each station although I have not heard any convincing argument why they could not successfully manage a larger portfolio, if only two stations at a time.
Longer term suggestions in the report include holding down remuneration costs, and examining centralised costs.
Myers said: “Centralised costs, such as HR systems, sports rights and other corporate functions, are a much larger proportion of the BBC’s local radio station budget than any commercial local radio network in the UK would expect to see.”
David Holdsworth, controller for English Regions, said the report: “will inform our thinking as we consider the BBC Trust recommendations on savings to be made in BBC Local Radio.”